Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding

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Introduction

The Croque Monsieur is a beloved French dish—rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting. It typically consists of toasted bread layered with ham, cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, then baked to perfection. But what if you could take this classic sandwich and transform it into an even more indulgent dish? Enter Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding, a luxurious and comforting twist on the traditional recipe. By reimagining the layers of the classic sandwich as a rich, savory bread pudding, you get a dish that’s just as delicious but with a delightful new texture and flavor combination.

In this article, we’ll explore why Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding is a must-try dish, offer step-by-step instructions for making it, and share helpful tips and variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic French comfort food or looking for something new and exciting, this savory bread pudding is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Take on a Classic: This dish takes the familiar and beloved flavors of a Croque Monsieur and transforms them into a rich, savory bread pudding that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of eggs, cheese, and bread creates a satisfying and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side.
• Customizable: While this recipe uses halal-friendly ingredients, you can customize the flavors by adding your choice of cheese, protein, or vegetables.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This savory bread pudding makes a stunning addition to any special meal, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for busy hosts looking for a dish they can bake just before serving.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (20 minutes for prep, 1 hour for baking, 40 minutes for cooling)
• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 slices of day-old bread (preferably a rustic white or sourdough bread): The bread needs to be slightly stale to absorb the custard mixture and become delightfully tender while maintaining some texture.
• 2 cups milk: The base for the custard, giving the bread pudding a smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a velvety custard.
• 5 large eggs: For structure and richness in the custard.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: For a touch of tangy flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the custard and bring out the other flavors.
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese: A classic French cheese that melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor.
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese: Provides a mild, creamy texture and pairs perfectly with the Gruyère.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For greasing the baking dish and adding a light flavor.

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing the vegetables or protein.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional): Mushrooms add earthiness to the dish, but can be omitted if you prefer a lighter flavor.
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed): For a halal-friendly protein option, cooked chicken is a great addition.
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives): For garnish and added flavor.
• Extra grated cheese: For topping before baking, making the dish extra cheesy and golden brown.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE BREAD PUDDING BASE

1. Prepare the Bread: Start by slicing your bread into cubes, about 1-inch in size. You can use day-old bread to get the best texture, as it will absorb the custard mixture more effectively without becoming soggy.
2. Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This will form the base of the bread pudding, which should be smooth and well-combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently stir to ensure that all the bread is soaked with the custard. Let this sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE FILLING

1. Sauté the Onion and Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and golden. If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
2. Add the Chicken and Spinach (Optional): Stir in the cooked chicken breast (either shredded or cubed) and spinach (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
3. Set the Filling Aside: Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly before incorporating it into the bread mixture.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE BREAD PUDDING

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the bread pudding from sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Filling: Begin layering the soaked bread mixture into the greased dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the sautéed chicken and vegetable filling over the bread, distributing it evenly throughout.
3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the bread and filling. The cheese will melt beautifully as the bread pudding bakes, creating a gooey, flavorful topping.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE BREAD PUDDING

1. Bake the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled bread pudding into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The bread pudding should be golden brown on top, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
2. Cool and Rest: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the bread pudding set and makes it easier to serve.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, like parsley, thyme, or chives, over the bread pudding for added color and freshness. You can also add a bit more grated cheese on top just before serving for extra richness.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut the bread pudding into squares or slices and serve. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding

This savory bread pudding can be served in many ways, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Hearty Brunch Dish

Serve the Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding as part of a decadent brunch spread. Pair it with a fresh salad, fruit, and some freshly baked pastries for a truly indulgent meal.

2. Serve with a Simple Salad

The richness of the bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a light and refreshing salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy bread pudding.

3. Pair with Soup

For a comforting meal, pair the bread pudding with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or French onion soup. The creamy texture of the bread pudding complements the hearty, savory flavors of the soup.

4. As a Side Dish for Dinner

Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a holiday feast. Its rich, cheesy flavor elevates any main course.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the bread pudding and refrigerating it overnight. Simply bake it the next day for an easy, make-ahead meal.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked bread pudding for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or leeks. You can also incorporate a mixture of different cheeses to enhance the flavor.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can get creative with the ingredients to suit your taste:

1. Use Different Proteins

Instead of chicken, you can use halal-friendly turkey or beef. Shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey sausage, or even halal lamb can all be delicious options.

2. Experiment with Cheese

If you want to try different cheese combinations, consider using cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring a unique taste and texture to the bread pudding.

3. Add More Veggies

Feel free to load up on the vegetables. Roasted peppers, zucchini, or artichokes would make a wonderful addition to the filling, providing extra flavor and nutrition.

Freezing and Storage

This savory bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment to make this savory bread pudding:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for baking this dish.
• Large Skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and protein.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the custard mixture.
• Whisk and Spoon: To stir the custard and bread mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like brioche, French bread, or even challah.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use more vegetables or a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
3. Can I freeze this savory bread pudding? Yes! You can freeze it before baking or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

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Conclusion

Croque Monsieur Savory Bread Pudding is the perfect way to elevate your comfort food repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a cozy meal at home, this dish combines the indulgent flavors of a classic French Croque Monsieur with the luxurious texture of a bread pudding. It’s a meal that will satisfy your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Enjoy every bite of this warm, cheesy, and savory creation!